Tigers duo earns G-R all-Star honors
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Genesee Region League All-Stars Austin Fonda, left, and Quincey McClinsey.
Two Lyndonville players – senior second baseman Austin Fonda and junior pitcher/ third baseman Quincey McClinsey – have earned Genesee Region League baseball All-Star honors.
Fonda hit .389 with 1 double, 9 RBIs, 21 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.
McClinsey made 13 starts, pitched 60.1 innings and registered 94 strikeouts. At the plate he hit .319 with 1 double and 13 RBIs.
The Tigers also had senior shortstop Colton Smith earn G-R Honorable Mention. He hit .370 with 5 doubles and 11 RBIs.
3 running for 2 trustee positions in Holley election today
HOLLEY – It’s election day for the Village of Holley with three candidates on the ballot with two to be elected trustees to four-year terms.
The polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Holley Village Office, the former high school at 1 Wright St. The new terms start on July 1.
The candidates include:
- Brenden Bedard of East Albion Street
- Rochelle Moroz of Orchard Street
- Ron Vendetti of Ray Street
Current Trustee Jim DeFilipps isn’t seeking another term after 10 years on the board.
Vendetti previously served as a village trustee and also was Holley’s coordinator and DPW superintendent. He said the village taxes and water rates continue to climb putting a strain on property owners. The current village government spends too much time on festivals and parks, and not enough focus on infrastructure and reducing costs.
Mayor Mark Bower, in a letter on the village website on Monday, backed Moroz, a current trustee, and Bedard, who is the assistant director of the Genesee & Orleans Public Health Departments.
Bower praised Moroz for “paying attention to the little things that need work, as well as keeping her eye on the bigger picture.” She works to help the village “in countless ways for which she wants no credit.”
Bedard has deep roots in Holley with his mother a long-time elementary school teacher and his father a former village trustee.
“He has reached out to us on many occasions with opportunities for us to apply for grants,” Bower said about Brenden Bedard. “He will bring a fresh perspective to our board.”
The mayor cited the following accomplishments by the Village Board:
- Completed the High Street waterline project coming in under budget.
- Used state CHIPS money, along with local funds, and completely redid all of White Street, including curbing and new lights.
- Sold the old Village Office on Public Square and used that money with additional local dollars to re-roof the Police Station building.
- Replaced the Canal Park Playground with help from the Town of Murray and a grant through the Genesee and Orleans Public Health Departments.
- Updated comprehensive plan, which was last done 14 years ago.
- Begun the removal of all dead ash trees throughout the village park, waterfalls and trails in a project funded from a grant from Orleans County Soil and Water Department.
Refuge welcomes public to help choose name for eaglet
The Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge invites the public to pick among three name options for an eaglet that hatched on April 3.
Photo and announcement from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
BASOM – Cayuga and Seneca’s beautiful eaglet is growing strong, and is almost ready to take flight! We’re excited to be launching a small naming fundraiser. Every vote supports the continued protection, monitoring, and storytelling of this remarkable eagle family.
Name choices are Inspired by the Land and Its legacy:
- Oneida — Honoring one of the original Haudenosaunee nations, symbolizing unity, endurance, and deep cultural roots.
- Casey — A tribute to Casey Road, where the headquarters stands watch over the refuge, grounding the eaglet’s story in the very place that protects it.
- Skanon — A Seneca Nation word meaning peace and wellness, reflecting the calm strength and timeless cycle of life carried forward in this nest.
To cast your vote visit our website donation page (click here) make a suggested $5 donation and write your choice for the name into the “specific cause” box.
Together, we honor the land, the culture, and the future, taking wing right before our eyes!
A link to the bald eagle nest camera can be found at the Friends website, FINWR.org.
In 1890s, new Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake community touted for ‘pure air and cool breezes’
Early appeal of site: ‘No beer or liquors may be sold on any part of this property’
In 2004, the Oak Orchard Harbor Light Committee reprinted the marketing booklet originally produced by the Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake Committee.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 17
CARLTON – “Here we escape the Summer’s heat
And gain new life and strength”
Around the turn of the last century, the lucrative potential of Orleans County’s assets attracted a variety of speculators. In 1911, a group of New York city investors who had incorporated as the Western New York Farm Company, acquired a large swath of swamp land in the southern end of the county and developed it for agricultural purposes.
Prior to that, in 1891, a group of Buffalo area businessmen incorporated as the Oak Orchard-on -the-Lake Company and purchased four hundred acres of land located on the west bank of Oak Orchard Harbor and along the south shore of Lake Ontario.
With a General Office at 39 Chapin Block in Buffalo, the Officers and Directors of the company were: Edwards D. Emerson, President; George T. Wardwell, Vice-President; Frank E. Sickels, Secretary and Charles H. Robinson, Treasurer. Emerson was a Standard Oil manager in Buffalo, Wardwell and Sickels were Buffalo attorneys, while Robinson was chairman of the J.L. Hudson Company, Buffalo clothiers.
As they described it “the land gently slopes toward the lake and for nearly a mile is bounded by a beautiful unbroken sandy beach that allows unobstructed access to the water of the lake.” The property also included water frontage of three quarters of a mile on Oak Orchard Creek “one of the most picturesque streams in Western New York.”
“The lake and creek fronts of this property will be offered for summer homes, while the remaining land will be so worked as to be a never-failing source from which cottagers can draw those necessities which are required for the refreshing of ‘the inner man.’”
The promotional booklet’s flowery prose extols the joys of cottage life, “the unexcelled advantages which it offers for sports, boating and bathing; of the pure air and cool breezes which it furnishes its cottagers; of its healthfulness, freedom from dangers for children; of the social life, refined and yet jolly, which characterizes the place…”
The company had a local office at 2 Swan’s Block in Albion. Dwight C. Beckwith, a wholesale apple shipper and lumber merchant was the local General Manger.
The lake and creek frontage was subdivided into building lots, each with a minimum of fifty feet of frontage. Lot prices ranged from $100 upwards. Generous terms were offered: “We shall be content with a small cash payment and the balance in small weekly or monthly installments.”
Recognizing the desirability of a water view, the company produced a layout which set the streets at right angles from the shoreline. This, combined with a gradual rise from the water’s edge, assured each cottage an unobstructed view.
A promotional article in the Times-Union, May 23, 1892, claimed that “the special feature which will render this a most desirable summer resort is that no beer or liquors may be sold on any part of this property.” In the summer of 1897, the Buffalo News reported that the cottages at Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake are filled to overflowing.”
Gas prices drop third straight week, but still up $1.25 from a year ago in NYS
AAA reported today that the national average for regular unleaded gasoline was at $4.07, which is down from 9 cents a week ago. AAA says the average price has now declined three straight weeks. A year ago the average price was $3.14.
In New York State, the average price is at $4.36, which is down 9 cents from a week ago but up by $1.25 from a year ago, AAA reported.
“Drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as the national average for regular gasoline continues its three week slide, dropping to $4.07,” AAA said in a news release. “The downward trend, driven in part by crude oil prices staying below $100 per barrel, now coincides with a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Crude prices briefly dipped to $80 per barrel when the deal was announced, but with the situation still evolving and the Strait not expected to reopen until at least Friday, uncertainty around global oil flows continues to make this summer’s price outlook less predictable than usual.”
Here are the average prices in counties in Western New York:
- Orleans, $4.503
- Genesee, $4.341
- Monroe, $4.418
- Niagara, $4.446
- Erie, $4.447
- Wyoming, $4.522
- Livingston, $4.449
- Chautauqua, $4.480
- Cattaraugus, $4.369
- Allegany, $4.580
Manhattan is highest at $4.630, according to AAA, while the lowest price of $4.139 is in Nassau County.
Farmers’ market in Medina welcomes new vendors
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mary Moffet, cheese maker, and Ella Sosik, sales and marketing, were promoting Oakfield Artisanal Cheese on June 6 as new vendors at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
MEDINA – The corner of West Center Street and West Avenue is again a beehive of activity with the move of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market back to its summer home. The market is on a mission to grow its vendor base and dedicated customer base, said market manager Gail Miller.
“The vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety,” she said. “The market this week had a great selection, with several new vendors, and we will be adding more new vendors this season.”
This will include another vegetable farm, flowers, crafts and more. Baker Farms, in addition to their own raised beef and pork, garlic, eggs and scapes, will be selling Heartland Organics mushrooms.
“We are looking for a soap vendors, wineries and other unique items,” Miller said. ”Watch the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all the wonderful products available each week.”
One new vendor is Oakfield Artisanal Cheese, a farm which started making cheese three and one-half years ago. They will return to the market one day a month.
Peggy Schreck helps a young child choose a book at Kids Activity Tent at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on June 6.
Another new vendor with a new craft is Aimee Cummings of Lyndonville. She paints watercolor greeting cards. She has also gone to the Akron Farmers’ Market. She said Gail was happy to have her at this market.
“I love doing the cards,” she said. “I’m not an artist, but rather think of myself as a crafter.”
Other crafts will include crocheted and handsewn items.
At another table, volunteer Rosann Russo sold plants which had been donated to the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
Starting soon, Kimbrel Farm will be a regular, selling lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, beets, basil and dill, and Rosario Farm will be here with fruits and vegetables.
They join regulars, Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jam); Hazel and Honey Bakes (scones, cookies, sourdough); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); a variety of crafts; and Flower Fields Forever.
Melinda Cervantes arranges flowers in Human Farms and Greenhouse’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. They also have Stone Hollow Farms bread.
The market will be participating in Medina Area Partnership’s upcoming Faery Festival this Saturday, and in July, the third annual Zucchini 500 will return.
Chef Caitlin from Shelridge Country made her first appearance last week, making a dish from local seasonal vegetables and fruit. She will return once a month throughout the summer. Miller said they are looking for additional chefs to do demonstrations.
On Aug. 15, the market will sponsor a Dog Days of Summer photo competition.
As Miller pointed out, running and participating in a farmers’ market does not come without its challenges.
“The most difficult situations for everyone to hand are when it is very windy,” Miller said about a recent Saturday. “All of us started out with tents up and a good amount of weight holding each one down. Strong winds came up and three of the market tents’ frames were bent or just totally collapsed on themselves.”
When a strong gust comes through, tents will either collapse or fly into the air. And often vendors lose some of their products, Miller said. Finally, all tents were taken down before the market closed.
The Royalton-Hartland Community Library took the opportunity to promote their summer activities at a booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. At left is librarian Angelina Dimascio with Liz Winters, chair of Friends of the Library.
A state grant announced last year will result in enhanced facilities and the end of weather-related problems for the market.
“The reinvented building will allow the market to operate in the same space year round,” Miller said. “Our customers will no longer need to hunt for us during the winter, and they will be able to enjoy green space to sit and enjoy music and conversation. Artists would be more willing to attend, as their art would be protected from the elements. The farmers will have an upgraded area to sell from – warm in winter and shelter from the wind and rain in the summer. It also opens opportunities for farmers to perhaps offer their products for sale at additional times during the week.”
Unfortunately, there is no timeline when construction of that new facility will begin, as more fundraising has to take place.
The Canal Village Farners’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Rep from Veterans’ Affairs will be at market on Saturday
A representative from the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs will be at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market this Saturday with farmers’ market coupons available for veterans and eligible family members.
They are part of the FreshConnect Check Program used to buy produce and food goods at local farmers’ markets and farm stands.
Medina sidewalk grant program will focus on West Center Street in its first year
Residents can get half of new sidewalks covered by grant
Photo by Ginny Kropf: A worker smooths out the cement on a new section of sidewalk on West Center Street. An anonymous donor has offered to pay half the cost for eligible homeowners to replace their sidewalks.
MEDINA – Thanks to an anonymous benefactor in Medina, residents of West Center Street will be able to have much needed repairs made to their sidewalks this year.
“This program was privately created to help homeowners to improve their sidewalks,” said Robert Sanderson, who is administering the program on behalf of Orleans Renaissance Group and the Medina Sidewalk Review Committee.
The Sidewalk Grant Program was created primarily to increase the safety of sidewalks, but it will also increase the beauty and value of homes.
Eligible homeowners on West Center Street are the first focus of this program, and work has already begun.
A total of $200,000 has been made available for the 2026 year. This grant award will be for a maximum of 50% of the project cost.
The village of Medina will take away the old, removed sidewalk at no charge to the homeowner.
If applications from West Center Street residents do not exceed funding available, the offer will be extended to residents of West Avenue.
All applications and funding are on a first-come, first-served basis, with approval of the Medina Sidewalk Review Committee. The committee reserves the right to reject any application for any reason.
Applications are available at the village clerk’s office on Park Avenue.
Completed applications should be returned to Robert Sanderson Jr., 10780D Telegraph Rd., Medina, 14103. Residents are reminded this program will end Dec. 31.
America 250 Flag raised at County Administration Building
Photo and information courtesy of Orleans County government
ALBION – July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of the American Revolution, which took place between 1774 and 1783 and led to the creation of the United States of America.
What is now the State of New York played a crucial and enduring role not only during the Revolutionary Era but also throughout the subsequent 250 years of the nation’s history.
Sunday was Flag Day and to celebrate that day in conjunction with our nation’s 250th birthday, we have added a special commemorative flag to fly under the official United States flag at our county administration building in Albion.
Throughout the year, Orleans County will celebrate America 250 with history lectures, themed events, reenactments, parades, and more. Learn more at https://www.orleanscountytourism.com/america-250.
Candidate for Shelby GOP Committee says he would buck ‘good old boy’ mentality
Editor:
On June 23, I am asking for Shelby residents support electing me to represent them in District 1 on the Shelby Republican Committee.
Shelby deserves steady, informed, and accountable representation. That starts with showing up, listening, and paying attention to the decisions being made on behalf of residents. For that reason, attending town and other local municipal meetings has become a regular priority for me. Staying informed is the best way I can understand local issues and how decisions affect my family, my neighbors, other taxpayers, and businesses.
Orleans County has always been home to me, and Shelby has been home for more than 20 years. My family’s long business ties in the area have also shaped a deep respect for the people, values, and traditions that make this community strong.
Community involvement has always mattered to me. That includes being a member of and supporting local organizations such as the American Legion, Jr. Wilsons Club, VFW, Sacred Heart Club, and Knights of Columbus. These groups bring people together and reflect the kind of service, respect, and commitment that help keep our community strong.
Local government works best when it is open, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. Shelby residents deserve to know how decisions are made and who is being recommended for elected positions that affect how the Town of Shelby functions.
If elected, I will take accountability for the individuals I recommend for Town positions. I believe Shelby needs more leaders with professional skills and real-life experience that can help the Town get ahead.
Candidates endorsed by the committee should be chosen for their skills, merit, integrity, and accountability, not by the “good old boys” mentality.
Shelby needs more independent thinkers who ask questions, review the facts, and make decisions that are best for the community. And voters should also have more information and a better understanding of the Shelby Republican Committee’s work.
That is why I am running for the District 1seat.
I respectfully ask for your support on June 23rd and for the opportunity to serve Shelby residents on the Shelby Republican Committee.
Sincerely,
John “Yonic” Parada
Shelby resident, District 1
Wilson has state track meet double winner
Contributed Photo – Ryan Hough
Wilson senior Ryan Hough scored a pair of victories at the state Class C track and field championships held over the weekend at Webster Schroeder near Rochester.
Hough won the Long Jump (23-4) and the High Jump (6-6).
He also placed second in the Triple Jump (47-8) and third in the 110 High Hurdles (:14.79).
Hough won all four events at the recent Section VI Class C championship meet.
Albion’s Sophia Wendt placed 13th in the Class B Triple Jump competition.
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Northshore Fury places second at Jam Fest
The Northshore Fury returned to Rochester over the weekend to compete against talent from Syracuse, Newark, Rome, Utica and Byron Bergen at the School’s Out Summer Jam Fest at Macedon.
After finishing with a 2-1 record in group play the Fury punched their ticket to the finals with a victory over Byron-Bergen 58-35 Sunday afternoon.
Led by top scorers Zia Dix (Medina), Gunner Knight (Holley), and Dean Fischer III (Medina) the team finished in 2nd after falling to the 315 Aces from Syracuse in the championship game. Dix scored a tournament high 22 points against Byron Bergen during their semi-final matchup.
Torry Dames (Medina), Julian Tabor (Medina), Chris Andrews (Holley), Brayden Aydelotte (Lyndonville), and Jackson Spencer (Holley) all added to the weekend’s scorers.
Mason McGuire (Holley), Tabor, Fischer, and Aydelotte led the team in rebounds and anchored the defense.
The Fury will finish their season this coming weekend June 20th and June 21st at the Father’s Day Showdown in Rochester, NY.
Hawley announces plans for Patriot Trip to DC from Sept. 17-20
File photo from Steve Hawley’s Office: This group stopped at the Iwo Jima Monument on a previous Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 17 to 20 and is open to local veterans and their families.
Participants will get a tour of the memorials dedicated to our nation’s heroes and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”
Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450 to $500 per person with everything included. To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.
For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.
Holley library hosting art auction on June 26 featuring local artists
Press Release, Community Free Library
HOLLEY – The Community Free Library will host its first-ever Community Art Auction on Friday, June 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 86 Public Square in Holley.
The event will showcase artwork donated by local artists from across the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view and bid on a diverse collection of paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber arts, and other original works while enjoying a reception and live auction experience.
All bidding will begin at just $20, making original artwork accessible to a wide range of attendees while raising funds to support library services, programs, and community initiatives.
The auction features works from more than 20 artists, including Ginny Schofield, Nora Lindsay, Jim Fiegel, Brianna Pellegrino, Chloe Dunn, Amy Ahl, Alanna Reed, Autumn Bradley, Emma Goodman, and many others who have generously contributed their talents to support the library.
“The Art Auction is a celebration of both creativity and community,” said Jenna Chevier, Programming Coordinator at the Community Free Library. “We’re excited to showcase the incredible artistic talent that exists in our area while raising funds that will directly benefit library programs and services for all ages.”
Guests are encouraged to preview the artwork in advance through the library’s online gallery and then attend the live event to place bids and meet fellow art enthusiasts.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Run for the Fallen made trek through Orleans County over weekend
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Curt Follman of Waterport welcomes the 15 participants in the Run for the Fallen who spent the night at his home on Saturday. Runners left Syracuse on Friday morning and arrived in Buffalo on Sunday. Along the way, they stop, display a flag and say a prayer for a fallen soldier.
Jeanne Crane and her daughter Kelly Follman take time for a picture during supper at Follman’s home, where they hosted participants in the Run for Fallen on Saturday night.
WATERPORT – A local family, Curt and Kelly Follman of Waterport, first heard about the Run for the Fallen when Kelly met Lori Jablonski in Annapolis, where the Follmans’ daughter Annabelle attends. Jablonski was organizer of the run for several years.
Last year, the Follmans offered to host a contingent of runners at their home overnight, and repeated the invitation again this year. Saturday night, 15 participants, some runners and others a support crew, arrived for supper and spent the night. A neighbor on vacation also offered use of their home for the runners.
The Follmans have a lot of reasons to support those who served in the military. Curt is a veteran; son Thomas is a captain in the Marines; daughter Elisabeth is a staff sergeant, employed in cyber security; son Roy John is a first-class petty officer in the Coast Guard; daughter Annabelle attends Annapolis; son Aaron is a police officer in Washington, D.C.; and son Sam is a firefighter and paramedic in Illinois. Only their oldest daughter Kayleen chose a different career – a singer, and she is a soprano living in Texas.
Curt said when Kelly, who is a teacher in Lyndonville, retires in July, they will be doing some traveling to visit their children.
The Run for the Fallen starts in Syracuse and ends in Buffalo on Sunday at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. Runners cover 50 miles a day, accompanied by support vehicles and take turns running and riding.
Stops are designated along the way to salute a flag dedicated to a New York hero and his or her family. This run there were 142 heroes honored.
On Saturday evening, Jablonski presented a flag to Curt and Kelly, in return for their hospitality.
The run is a way of keeping spirits of fallen service members alive, aiding in the healing process of their comrades, and thanking the New York families who have been affected by the war for their sacrifices.
Linda Jackson of Starkville, who was accompanied by her daughter Amy Geweye, said for 10 years she made 10 dozen peanut butter cookies with chocolate frosting for the participants. She has driven a support vehicle for 11 years.
This was the fifth year for Nancy Weber of Syracuse. Her father was a Navy veteran and served in Vietnam.
“I do it for him,” she said.
Information on the New York Run for the Fallen and how to donate can be found on their website at newyork.usarunforthefallen.org or www.honorandremember.org.
Curt and Kelly Follman of Wilson Road Extension welcomed runners in the Run for Life Saturday night for the second time. At their home here are Kelly’s mother, Jeanne Crane, Shari Rotoli of Holley, Curt Follman and David Rotoli. Curt and David are both veterans.
Linda Jackson and Amy Geweye, both of Starkville, are silhouetted against Lake Ontario at the home of Curt and Kelly Follman, where they spent the night as two of the participants in the Run for the Fallen.
